Nepal is closely monitoring two lakes located upstream of a flood-affected area where hundreds of people were killed on Wednesday, as authorities warn that the risk of further flooding will remain until the lakes are fully drained.
An official from Nepal’s Disaster Management Authority said one of the two lakes began overflowing on Friday, increasing concerns about additional flood waves downstream. Authorities are using satellite imagery to monitor changes in the lakes and surrounding areas, although the availability of satellite images is limiting continuous monitoring.
The two lakes are located near the area where a suspected glacier collapse triggered a massive flow of rock, ice, mud and other debris into river systems on Wednesday. The resulting flood waves destroyed houses, damaged infrastructure and swept away bridges, causing widespread devastation.
Aerial footage captured by a Chinese rescue team on Thursday showed one of the lakes forming in a basin, with large amounts of brown water accumulating. New satellite imagery obtained on Friday indicated that water had begun draining from the lake.
However, another lake located farther upstream appeared to be increasing in size. Its surface area was reportedly larger than the first lake, and no visible outlet was detected as of Friday morning. Authorities fear that water pressure could continue to build at the second lake, potentially creating another flood threat.
Nepalese authorities are planning to strengthen their monitoring efforts by installing cameras and sensors at downstream locations, including near the border town of Timure. Officials are also assessing whether equipment can be transported and installed by helicopter.
Authorities continue to urge communities in potentially affected areas to remain alert as monitoring and emergency response operations continue.
